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O'Mahony: staying with Munster until at least 2021. Inpho/Billy Stickland
Done Deal

Staying put! Peter O'Mahony ends speculation over future by signing new IRFU contract

The Munster captain had been heavily linked with a move to France or England but has put pen-to-paper on a new three-year national contract.

PETER O’MAHONY HAS ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new three-year central contract with the IRFU ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

The new deal will see the Munster captain remain at his home province until at least 2021.

O’Mahony, who was out of contract at the end of the current season, had been the subject of intense interest from clubs in England and France, but in reaffirming his commitment to Munster and Ireland provides the IRFU with a major boost.

The announcement comes less than an hour after it was confirmed Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong has been upgraded to a national contract for the first time.

“I am absolutely delighted to commit my future to Munster and Ireland for the next three years,” O’Mahony said. “I’m very proud of where I am from and I am really excited about what we are building down in Munster right now.

“Playing for my country is something I dreamed of growing up as a boy, so I cherish each occasion I am lucky enough to take to the field in an Irish jersey. I look forward to building on what has been achieved to date with the rest of the Irish squad and management team.”

Commenting on O’Mahony’s new contract, IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: “Peter has had to travel a tough road since the 2015 Rugby World Cup where a serious injury kept him out of action for a prolonged period.  He has returned to form for both Munster and Ireland and as captain of Munster is a key leader within their environment.”

Since making his international debut against Italy in the 2012 Six Nations, O’Mahony has won 42 Ireland caps, the most recent of which came in the November Test win over Argentina.

News of O’Mahony’s deal will provide Munster with a welcome boost ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers following the departure of Donnacha Ryan last season and Simon Zebo’s impending move to France.

The future of CJ Stander is, however, still on the negotiating table while Ulster’s Iain Henderson is another high-profile Ireland international out of contract next summer.

“I know the squad and supporters will all be pleased to see our captain, a proud Munster man, commit his future to the province and Irish Rugby,” Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said.

“It is always a huge boost when we can retain our home-grown talent and I know all parties have worked very hard in retaining Peter’s services.”

O’Mahony will make his 99th appearance for the southern province at Welford Road on Sunday having made his debut against Ulster seven seasons ago.

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